Asean will facilitate Timor-Leste's military in regional joint exercises, says Khaled

KUALA LUMPUR: The inclusion of Timor-Leste’s military into Asean-led joint exercises would be done in ways that do not burden the nation, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The Defence Minister said, at a press conference after the 19th Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), said that Asean will facilitate the country’s integration and that Timor-Leste was not expected to immediately operate on the same level as other long-standing members

"We welcome Timor-Leste’s participation in Asean and will help facilitate its integration into Asean and the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting framework. This will allow Timor-Leste to join us in promoting peace and security in the region,” he said.

He added that it is important for Timor-Leste to seize opportunities to participate and build understanding, networks, and trust to form long-standing cooperations.

When asked to comment on United States President Donald Trump plans to resume nuclear weapons testing, Khaled said that Asean’s stance remained the same.

“Asean is a zone of peace and is nuclear free. Our view is that we try to avoid anything that can bring great calamity to humankind,” he said.